Dembélé's Heartfelt Ballon d'Or Tribute: "Barcelona Was My Dream Club" as He Honors Messi Legacy

Ousmane Dembélé has climbed to the pinnacle of global football, claiming the prestigious 2025 men's Ballon d'Or trophy, yet he made sure to acknowledge Barcelona's role in shaping his remarkable journey.

The French winger enjoyed an exceptional 2024–25 campaign with Paris Saint-Germain. He emerged as the key catalyst for a team that once more ruled French football and capped off their season by securing the club's maiden UEFA Champions League title.

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal finished as runner-up in the 2025 Ballon d'Or rankings. Many expected the youngster's brilliant displays during their domestic treble triumph would secure his place as the youngest-ever Ballon d'Or recipient. However, the surprise victory went to a former Barcelona star instead.

Prior to his PSG move in 2023, Dembélé spent six campaigns with the Catalan club. His tenure in Spain was marked by erratic form and numerous injury setbacks. Despite this, the newly crowned Ballon d'Or champion made sure to remember his Barcelona chapter during his victory speech.

"I want to thank every team I've represented," an emotional Dembélé declared while addressing the audience at the Théâtre du Châtelet. "Stade Rennes, Borussia Dortmund and the team I always aspired to join, Barcelona."

"My development there was incredible, sharing the pitch with legends like Lionel Messi and Andrés Iniesta. It provided invaluable lessons. I couldn't be happier."

Dembélé later offered praise for Yamal during the media session after his Ballon d'Or triumph.

"We've witnessed Lamine Yamal's performances throughout the season, he's a phenomenal talent with remarkable composure," Dembélé commented. "I believe that when everything falls into place, he'll capture numerous honors including the Ballon d'Or."

Dembélé featured in 186 games during his Barcelona stint after arriving from Borussia Dortmund following Neymar's PSG transfer in summer 2017. Throughout his six-year stay at the club, he netted 40 goals for Barça, merely five more than his total across all competitions during his Ballon d'Or-winning 2024–25 campaign.

Many doubted Dembélé would ever fulfill his promise following his turbulent Barcelona period. Nevertheless, working under Luis Enrique at PSG, the now 28-year-old has silenced his critics. His Ballon d'Or triumph represents the perfect culmination.